Militia are ready to open season in Bridgeport

Chris Brodeur

Updated 11:28 pm, Thursday, July 18, 2013

After each of their first two seasons in the semipro New England Football League ended in playoff heartbreak, the Western Connecticut Militia have boiled their title quest down to the simplest of mantras.

"We say `1-2-3 Us,'" Militia coach Lonnie Young said by phone Wednesday, three days ahead of the team's season opener, against the Bridgeport Gators (Saturday, 6:30 p.m., John F. Kennedy Stadium in Bridgeport). "It's strictly business, and it's all about us. It's about us, not individuals. We might have thought that way in the past, but really it's about us. It's about family. If we're going to do it, we're going to do it together."

Last year, the Militia transitioned seamlessly into the Triple-A rung of the NEFL, where they dominated their regular season opponents en route to a 12-0 record and a second straight Southern division crown. (In their inaugural season, the Militia won the same division at the Double-A level.)

Though, after receiving a first-round bye in the playoffs, the Militia were stunned, 12-3, in the second round by the Connecticut Panthers, a team they edged 28-26 in the regular-season finale.

In Year 3 of an otherwise wildly successful foray into the city's minor-league sports scene, players, coaches and ownership alike are fueled by the only thing that's eluded them: a championship.

"It's always a motivating factor," Young said. "Each year we want to improve in all facets of the game, stay healthy, get better depth and learn from our experiences. We've acquired some good assets this year on both sides of the ball, guys that have some championship experience."

As usual, a bruising defense will be the team's signature, though some key additions on offense are expected to add explosiveness to an already solid core. All-Star quarterback Kevin Oberg (New Milford High, Nichols College) will continue to rely heavily on All-Star receiver Ryan Mack (Danbury) and running back Lionel Assie (Ansonia) is the NEFL's reigning offensive MVP.

"We've gotten even better on the defensive side of the ball," Young said. "Our front four is much stronger, much faster, a lot more dynamic. As long as we can dictate the line of scrimmage, we'll be fine. That's where the war is won."

This year's home games will be played at Danbury High on Saturday nights. The Militia will host the Tri-State Bulldogs in their home opener July 27 at 7 p.m.